Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim said the cause of death was homicide. Grim said he can't release the manner of death because it's still under investigation.

State Police are investigating with the Alburtis Police Department and the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force. The Lehigh County District Attorney's Office also had investigators on the scene but they're releasing few details.

"It's a shock that it would happen in a small town like Alburtis," said neighbor Tim Sell. "You don't hear this."

Curious neighbors stood outside and watched as police searched the hedges surrounding the Walbert home and a ditch across the street.

Neighbors say Jeanette was mentally disabled and her mother spent her life caring for her in this home.

"Every once in a while they would come down wanting to use the phone or need change for a newspaper, but it's a shock," said neighbor Melanie Caskie.

Alburtis Council President Steve Hill says he too is shocked. He says he can't remember anything like this in the borough.

Neighbors say the Walbert family was well known, they used to own all the land in this area.

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